Wooden box with a golden pattern and red rope, resembling a messenger's box. - Material: Wood - Color: Brown - Decoration: Golden pattern - Internal structure: With compartments - Rope: With red rope - Size: Long handle The item in the image features characteristics of a traditional Japanese Sendai chest (sendai tansu) style, such as a jo-bako (small box) or a small container, or a craft item modeled after it. Features and Background of the Item Sendai Tansu Design: The "luxurious decorative metal fittings" on the exterior and the "lacquer finish (such as kijiro-nuri)" that makes use of the wood grain are representative features of Sendai Tansu, a traditional craft of Miyagi Prefecture. Uses: Such boxes were once made as "jo-bako" or small versions of "funa-dansu" (ship chests) to store valuables such as seals, passbooks, and letters. Crest: The golden crest drawn on the side is thought to be a Japanese family crest (such as a "mokko-mon" shape), and it evokes a history of being favored by samurai families and merchants. Due to this unique shape (with a long handle), it is also possible that it was designed as a "box for carrying" in ceremonies, theatrical performances (props for Kabuki, etc.), or specific Shinto rituals and traditional events. Thank you for viewing.